There have been quite a few more SQL Saturday announcements this week for new cities. I enjoy attending these events, and look forward to going when I can. I have plans to go to Baton Rouge (#28) in August and Pensacola (#22) in June, after having wonderful times in those cities last year.

It’s been a rough year for traveling, and while my wife is usually home on the weekends, she’s been gone quite a bit during the weeks. So I’m not thrilled about traveling too much more. Phoenix (#47) is tempting, though July means no skiing around there :). I like the city, and it’s a short flight. I could likely even get back late Sat night or early Sun morning in time for my Sun baseball games. I don’t have a baseball time yet, so I’m hesitant to book that one.

I would like to support Louisville (#45) as well. I cancelled last year when some other things came up, and I’d like to go back. My sister-in-law lives there, so that would be a good chance to catch up with her and her fiancé for the weekend. That one is tempting, though I don’t want to get into a heavy travel fall. I’ll likely have Connections and PASS in November, and I semi-committed to get back to Orlando for their SQL Saturday event. I’d have to choose between Louisville and Raleigh (#46), however as I won’t travel two weekends in a row.

Then there are the user groups. I haven’t made any meetings this year, mainly because of heavy travel in the family. I have been trying to schedule a meeting for the Utah groups, and Jason Brimhall extended a Las Vegas invitation as well. Those are quick trips, but I just haven’t made the commitment yet. Utah will have to wait until next ski season, but Las Vegas may be in the cards if the travel schedule eases up in the next couple of months.

I do like to support the community, and Red Gate does a great job of supporting me, and Brad McGehee, as we speak at various functions. Hopefully I’ll get to a few more events this year, and maybe try out a few new cities, like Dallas, NYC, and Portland in 2011 as I’m sure they’ll schedule new SQL Saturdays.